U.S. Soldier Missing in Iraq

U.S. and Iraqi forces threw a security cordon around Karradah on Monday night and Iraqis seeking to pass through the downtown area today were turned away at roadblocks. Army Kiowa OH-58 reconnaissance helicopters were seen repeatedly circling the area in pairs.

U.S. soldiers patrolling Karradah showed photocopies of the man’s photograph to residents in a search for leads.

The missing soldier’s name and other personal details have not been officially released, although American troops who raided Baghdad’s al-Furat TV on Monday said they were looking for an abducted American officer of Iraqi descent who went to join family members in Karradah.

“We have not heard anything,” Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, an American spokesman in Baghdad, said today.

I wouldn’t declare him kidnapped just yet. With family in the area there could be alternative explanations. The facts, if they emerge, should be interesting. I’d be interested in learning about the nature of his travel. Was he alone? Was his trip sanctioned by his commanding officer? It just seems a little odd given what little information we have.

The soldier was reportedly at a relative’s house when he was grabbed by masked men who handcuffed him and forced him into a vehicle. One of the men then called a relative with the soldiers’ cell phone, the military said. It did not say whether a ransom demand was made.

And more on the travel restrictions:

The U.S. military has strict rules for soldiers operating outside their bases, designed to ensure they are under supervision and also to protect them. All soldiers leaving their bases are supposed to be accompanied by a noncommissioned officer and travel in at least two vehicles.

None of the stories I’ve read give me the impression that those rules were followed. If he was last seen in the Green Zone that means an NCO wasn’t with him at his relative’s house. Hopefully he’ll be found safe but I’d like to know why a linguist is traveling alone in Iraq.